Welcome to the final part of our AAC myth-busting series! We’ve covered a lot of ground together, and today we’re wrapping up with some of the persistent concerns that keep coming up in our conversations with families and colleagues.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly committed to understanding AAC deeply—and that matters more than you might realise. These conversations and this understanding create positive change for AAC communicators everywhere.
Let’s tackle these final myths together, and then talk about where we go from there…
Here’s what we’ll look at today (click the myth to jump to the content):
- AAC Myth 1: “Speech is the most important form of communication”
- AAC Myth 2: “If someone can speak a little, they don’t need AAC”
- AAC Myth 3: “They’re too young/old to benefit from AAC!”
- AAC Myth 4: “AAC is about finding the right device”
- AAC Myth 5: “AAC is too complicated for our family/classroom/workplace”
- AAC Myth 6: “Only AAC communicators need to learn the system”
Overcoming Communication Bias
AAC Myth 1: “Speech is the most important form of communication”
What research shows: This belief, which some researchers call “speechism,” assumes that spoken language is inherently ‘superior’ to other forms of communication.
But communication itself matters more than communication method.¹
This bias shows up in various ways:
- Treating AAC as a “last resort” rather than a valuable communication method
- Measuring success primarily by speech development rather than communication effectiveness
- Limiting opportunities for people who communicate differently
The reality: Let us be clear – this myth is not only untrue; it’s potentially damaging! Communication comes in many forms, and each has value.
A person who uses AAC to connect with others IS communicating– regardless of whether they also use speech.
The goal should be the connection that’s achieved.
Understanding Individual Communication Needs
AAC Myth 2: “If someone can speak a little, they don’t need AAC”
What research shows: Many people benefit from AAC even when they have some speech abilities. The key considerations are about functional communication across all life contexts.²
Critical considerations:
- Consistency: Can they communicate reliably across different times of day, stress levels, and environments?
- Complexity: Can they express complex thoughts, as well as basic needs?
- Familiarity: Are they understood by unfamiliar communication partners?
- Participation: Can they fully engage in their chosen academic, social, and vocational activities?
- Independence: Can they communicate without a familiar communication partner to support?
- Variety: Can they communicate for different reasons, including questions, comments, storytelling, negating, joking and more?
The reality: Sometimes vocalising is the right option. Sometimes AAC is! It all depends on the communicator – and it’s entirely their choice.
Some examples of this could be:
- Using speech for familiar routines, but AAC for classroom discussions and new topics
- Combining vocalisations with other AAC strategies when fatigued or engaging in lengthy conversations at work or when out with friends
- Vocalising when calm, but using AAC during stressful situations or when tired
Addressing Age-Related Misconceptions
AAC Myth 3: “They’re too young/old to benefit from AAC“
What research shows: Communication development is a lifelong journey, and AAC can be beneficial at any age.³ In fact, most adults use AAC in their day-to-day! This could include using text messages, emojis, text to speech (audio books), using visuals like road signs and street maps, and more.
For young children:
- No minimum age: Communication begins at birth, and AAC can support this natural development
- Brain plasticity: Early years are optimal for language learning through multiple modalities
- Foundation building: Early AAC exposure creates strong communication foundations
For other individuals:
- Continued learning: Adults continue developing communication skills throughout life
- Life transitions: New environments (work, relationships, independence) create new communication needs
- Cognitive support: AAC can provide memory and organisation support alongside communication
The reality: Age is never a barrier to communication growth and AAC benefit.
Moving Beyond Device-Focused Thinking
AAC Myth 4: “AAC is about finding the right device“
What research shows: AAC involves much more than technology – it’s about creating comprehensive communication opportunities.⁴ An AAC device is one tool in a much larger communication toolkit!
AAC communication requires:
- Comprehensive vocabulary: Words for all communication functions, not just requesting
- Responsive partners: People who listen, model, and engage meaningfully
- Consistent access: Available across all environments and activities
- Ongoing support: Training, troubleshooting, and system updates as needs change
- Environmental modifications: Physical setup, visual supports, communication opportunities
- A reliable backup: technology can fail, so it’s important we have a low tech backup or alternative device when one needs repair
The reality: The “best” AAC system is one that’s consistently used, regularly updated, and supported by knowledgeable communication partners.
Addressing Implementation Barriers
AAC Myth 5: “AAC is too complicated for our family/classroom/workplace”
What research shows: AAC implementation can start simple and grow over time. Small steps lead to significant impact.⁵
Starting strategies:
- Begin with high-motivation activities: Focus on things the person loves
- Model consistently: Show how to use AAC during your own communication
- Celebrate attempts: Respond to any communication effort enthusiastically
- Build gradually: Add new vocabulary and functions over time
- Seek support: Work with consultants and other families/professionals
The reality: Every AAC journey starts with a single word or interaction. Perfection isn’t required – progress is the goal.
Supporting Communication Partners
AAC Myth 6: “Only AAC communicators need to learn the system”
What research shows: Communication partner training is essential for connecting with AAC. Everyone in the person’s environment benefits from understanding how to support AAC use.⁶e puzzle. use.⁴
Partner support includes:
- Modelling: Using AAC during natural interactions
- Responding: Treating AAC communication as equal to speech
- Patience: Allowing time for message construction
- Continuing conversations: Building on AAC messages naturally
- Being curious: Looking for meaningful communication and being open about connecting with a person and their communication method
The reality: AAC communication is a team effort. When everyone supports communication, there is often a more significant impact.
The Bigger Picture: Creating Inclusive Communities
When we move beyond myths and misconceptions, we create communities where:
- All communication is valued: Speech, AAC, gestures, and writing are equally respected
- Barriers are removed: Environmental and attitudinal obstacles are systematically addressed
- Growth is expected: People are supported to develop their fullest communication potential
- Diversity is celebrated: Different ways of communicating enrich our communities
Moving Forward Together
Thank you for taking this journey with us through five parts of myth-busting! If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything we’ve covered, that’s completely normal. You don’t need to tackle everything at once.
Here’s what we hope you’ll remember: every positive interaction, every moment of communication, and every time someone feels truly heard and understood – that’s what this is all about. The research matters, the tools matter, but the human connection is what makes it all worthwhile.
- If you’re a parent: Trust your instincts about your child’s potential. Seek out knowledgeable support, celebrate every communication victory (no matter how small it might seem), and remember that you’re already doing amazing work by learning and advocating.
- If you’re a professional: Keep questioning assumptions, stay curious about new research, and remember that your recommendations can open up entire worlds for the people you support.
- If you’re just here exploring ideas: Thank you. Understanding and acceptance make all the difference in creating communities where everyone can communicate and connect.
The future of AAC is incredibly bright, especially when we embrace all the wonderful ways humans can connect with each other.
Want to connect further?
Contact our team or check out our full training calendar to explore how you can support comprehensive communication in your family, school, or community.
Ready to explore comprehensive communication? Contact our team today to discover how AAC can support fuller, richer communication for you or your loved one.
Interested in learning more about AAC? Join one of our upcoming workshops or training events. Check out our full calendar here. You can also find AAC implementation resources at the Centre for AAC & Autism website.
References:
¹ Fried-Oken, M., & Bersani, H. A. (2000). Speaking up and spelling it out. Paul H. Brookes.
² Zisk, A. H., & Dalton, E. (2019). Augmentative and Alternative Communication for speaking Autistic Adults: Overview and recommendations. Autism in Adulthood, 1(2), 93-100.
³ Romski, M., Sevcik, R. A., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Whitmore, A. S. (2015). Early Intervention and AAC: What a Difference 30 Years Makes. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(3), 181–202.
⁴ Beukelman, D., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs (4th ed.). Paul H. Brookes.
⁵ Kent-Walsh, J., & McNaughton, D. (2005). Communication partner instruction in AAC: Present practices and future directions. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 21(3), 195-204.
⁶ Crowe, B., Machalicek, W., Wei, Q., Drew, C., & Ganz, J. (2021). Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Meta-Review of the Literature. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 34(1), 1–42.